Closing the Understanding Gap Between Parents and Teachers by a Guy Who Is a Parent and a Teacher.
31st Jul 2008
Homework is often welcomed like a fart in an un-air conditioned Chevy Chevette in the middle of August.
For obvious reasons, most kids don’t like it. Although there are those who welcome it into their lives because they’re good at it, the majority does not. Most parents hate it because it’s a hassle.
Posted by Dave Teacher under Hot Topics, Parents 2 Comments »
30th Jul 2008
The week before a new calendar year begins, you begin to wonder: “What can I do to improve myself and make next year better than this one.”
We don’t often do this before a new SCHOOL year begins, but we should. It’s a great opportunity to think about one or two things that you, as a parent, or your child can do to make this school year better than the last. For some reading this post, the need for such resolutions are painfully obvious.
Posted by Dave Teacher under Hot Topics, Parents No Comments »
29th Jul 2008
You’ll be getting something in the mail soon if you haven’t already received it. It’s your child’s test scores from last year. Some people hold their breath when they open it, others casually look at it before filing it away, and I’m sure others don’t even bother looking at it. Being that you even read this blog, I bet you’re one of the first two.
But should you care about these scores? Here’s one of those wishy-washy answers: Yes and no. It depends on how you answer the following questions. Did your child do well or badly on the test? Does your child get good or bad grades? Do you own or rent your home?
Posted by Dave Teacher under Hot Topics, Testing No Comments »
24th Jul 2008
Remember that teacher in high school or professor in college you made fun of? You know, the one who didn’t have a clue; the one who dropped one acid too many; or the one you wish you could put in a bottle because you were sure he mankind’s cure for insomnia.
These are the first people that come to mind when you hear the word “tenure.”
Posted by Dave Teacher under Hot Topics, Teachers 2 Comments »
22nd Jul 2008
The secret to educating effectively is no secret, only a deniable fact.
Those who experience ineffective education are parents who refuse or fail to take steps to ensure that their child gets quality learning. Don’t like the teacher or the school? Get a new one. Don’t like how your child’s behaving in school? Change their behavior. Is your child not making the grade? Spend more time with him on his school work.
What did you say? You don’t have school choice? Read the rest of this entry »
Posted by Dave Teacher under Parents 1 Comment »
21st Jul 2008
Every one from politicians to teachers provides excuses as to why the American education system is failing. When I hear that, my first question is: Is it failing? Isn’t it doing what it’s designed to do? In its current state, the education system at the primary and secondary levels is supposed to produce higher test scores among those in the lower socio-economic stratum. Look. It’s doing just that.
If you design a coffee maker, and you end up with freshly brewed coffee, is that a failure? Don’t confuse the lack of consensus on what we want by labeling American education a failure.
Posted by Dave Teacher under Curriculum 6 Comments »
